The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-08-13

bulukliB anu Iu6 NEW HCOlOSy' L
did not in the whole article use the
words New Theology, preferring by the
use of the more inclusive term, ''liberal
theology" to show that the intellectual
basis of the "free-thinker" largely I'M
derlies all phases Of progressive relig-
ious thought in other words, that the
negations of the free-thinker are, and
of necessity must be, largely conceded
by every theologian who wishes to build
broad and liberal structure Of thought.
If DIR. Atwood finds himself outside
the pale of nay statement, he might
easily have indicated it by refusing the
title, "liberal theologian, at which
should not demur but 1 still assert
that those theologians who have left
behind them the inadequate statements
of faith, known as orthodox" have
abandoned most or all of the methods
and doctrines commonly criticised by
the so-called ''free- thinker" The aim
of my article was to indicate possible
yes, l will say an nevitable-growth
on the part of crude and negative ''free-
thinking toward the constructive meth
DDS of liberal theology. l said, when
the first flush of antagonism toward
discovered error has been superseded by
vital enthusiasm for the larger, no.
bier truth, the ee-thinker may become
a jealous worker on the growing tenn
pie of the broader faith. The hammer
of his logic will then be used to shape
instead of to smite, and walls will rise
instead Of crumble as he works" I'm
til then ne evidently could not labor
with US who are doing constructive
work. Yet, Dr. Atwood says that ac-
cording to my article, "there is nothing
to prevent free-thinker from becOm-
ing an orthodox member Of the Lake
side School of New Theology" Can
misunderstanding or misrepresentation
go farther?
DIR. Atwood has evidently miscon-
ceived not only the spirit and aim of
my article, but the spirit and aim of
the L. S. n. T., or he could not speak
of anybody becoming ian orthodox
member of the school. Orthodox MEM
bership is possible only where certain
definite and infeXible lines are laid
down, inside of which each member is
expected to step and stay. The L. S. n. T.
has no such lines. Its purpose is to
encourage and assist the development
of a new and more rational theology.
Z 4Ef f4that-thsoaagg- szera- alsaadx farMAk
lated, as it would need to be, to be "or
thodox,D there would be no consist
ency in our work. The New Theology
is not fixed, but fluent not formed,
but forming and that it will ever be-
come so finally crystallized as to render
possible the appeIlation orthodox" all
its friends deny. But while it is free
and progressive, and desirOus of recOg-
nizing the good and true, and the possi-
bilities of growth in all forms If
thought, it IS not identical with free
thinking" so-called, in the sense con-
veyed by DIR. Atwood and it is be-
cause his words, published as they are
in two influential papers, may do my
self and the New Theology movement
so much real, though doubtless unin-
territorial harm, that | wish to make
these few corrections.
As to the matter of my ignoring the
real differences between ourselves and
the "free-thinkers, did Paul ignore
the real differences between Christian
ity and Greek philosophy, when he said
to he citizens of Athens "In all things
[ perceive thaty are somewhat relig-
ious - and swhat, therefore, ye unwit
tingly worship, this set 1 forth unto
you ?" DR.. Atwood, it seems to me,
fails to perceive the fundamental prin-
ciple of the liberal theology of which l
had hitherto supposed him to be rep
lC5ClldItfOs AlolhCiJ titot vi 1CNoSLlL~
ing the good and true in all forms of
thought, and striving, by every legiti-
mate means, not, indeed, to ignore real
differences, but to melt away, when
possible, the artificial lines which sep
arate earnest and honest men.
Trusting that your readers now per
eeive my position as to the real differ
ence between the free-thinker and the
liberal theologian, and that Mr. Inger-
soil, and Helen II. Gardener do not ad-
vocate the principles and methods for
which the l.. S. y. I. stands, 1 sub
scribe myself, yours for the truth, the
whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
SoLON LAUER,
Editor Neto Theology Herald.
jamestown, N. Y,